Lyme Induced Autism and GMO

(CORONA, CA) August 25, 2009 – Today the Lyme Induced Autism Foundation (LIA) has joined with other leading health organizations to call on medical practitioners to prescribe diets free from all genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and urged individuals, especially those with autism, Lyme disease, and associated conditions, to avoid eating genetically modified (GM) foods. The LIA Foundation recognizes the unique health dangers posed by GMOs, especially for populations suffering from autism, Lyme disease, and other chronic disorders, and they have concluded, “There is an urgent need for independent research to evaluate the role that GM foods play in contributing to the prevalence or severity of autism, Lyme disease, and related conditions.”

“It is well-known that the rapid increase in multifaceted, chronic illnesses such as autism and Lyme disease are costly, both to the patients and to society as a whole. Children with autism often have compromised digestion, immunity, and toxin-clearing abilities. We must fully evaluate the role that GM foods may play in this alarming increase,” said Tami Duncan, Co-founder, President, LIA Foundation.

Children with autism often develop allergies to corn, soy, and dairy by the time they are tested and diagnosed. Since most soy and corn are genetically modified, and dairy cows are usually fed GM feed and sometimes injected with GM bovine growth hormone, the LIA Foundation also wants studies to investigate a possible connection.

Executive Director Jeffrey Smith of the Institute for Responsible Technology, who compiled the documented health dangers of GMOs, says, “Animal studies consistently indicate serious health risks associated with GM food, including infertility, immune system dysfunction, organ damage, and increased mortality.” Smith warns, “The only published human GMO feeding study confirmed that genes from the genetically engineered foods transfer into intestinal bacteria of humans and that these genes continue to function.”

Therese Yang, MD, FAAFP, a specialist in Lyme Disease, says, “I am very concerned how the GM foods are affecting our health, especially since it changes our intestinal environment. Our intestines are where much of our immunity and our ability to protect ourselves originate.”About LIA FoundationThe LIA Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to education and support for families who are affected by autism spectrum disorders, Lyme disease and associated disorders. www.liafoundation.orgAbout the Institute for Responsible TechnologyThe Institute for Responsible Technology’s Campaign for Healthier Eating in America educates and mobilizes citizens, organizations, businesses, and the media, to achieve the tipping point of consumer rejection of genetically modified foods. www.healthiereating.org